considers--wrong direction, the source would be choked by paternal
morality. You betrayed me. Listen."

"I tell you, Ned, I merely said to my governor--"

"Listen to me. You betrayed me. I defended myself; that is, I've
managed so that I may still be of service to you. It was a near shave;
but you now see the value of having a character with one's father. Just
open my writing-desk there, and toss out the cheque-book. I confess I
can't see why you should have objected--but let that pass. How much do
you want? Fifty? Say forty-five, and five I'll give you to pay to
Sedgett--making fifty. Eighty before, and fifty--one hundred and thirty.
Write that you owe me that sum, on a piece of paper. I can't see why you
should wish to appear so uncommonly virtuous."

Algernon scribbled the written acknowledgment, which he despised himself
for giving, and the receiver for taking, but was always ready to give for
the money, and said, as he put the cheque in his purse: "It was this
infernal fellow completely upset me. If you were worried by a bull-dog,
by Jove, Ned, you'd lose your coolness. He bothered my head off. Ask me
now, and I'll do anything on earth for you. My back's broad. Sir Billy
can't think worse of me than he does. Do you want to break positively
with that pretty rival to Peggy L.? I've got a scheme to relieve you, my
poor old Ned, and make everybody happy. I'll lay the foundations of a
fresh and brilliant reputation for myself."

Algernon took a chair. Edward was fathoms deep in his book.

The former continued: "I'd touch on the money-question last, with any
other fellow than you; but you always know that money's the hinge, and